Flooding, Tornados in Las Cruces? (travel, work, health care)

[betta]

My husband and I are moving to Las Cruces. We were going to bring my mom with us, as there is no one here to help her out here. One of her neighbors keeps badmouthing Las Cruces to her with untrue statements. I researched everything I could think of from health care to crime and thought it would be a great place to live.

My mom called me a few days ago and said her friend said that there was a tornado in Las Cruces and it was flooded! And she isn't moving with us. I searched the internet for news of this and found nothing except in El Paso, Texas. I also could not find informatation on tornados or flooding to be a problem. I assume there are floods in flood zones, but we have that happen here. So we just won't buy in a flood zone.

My question. Are there tornados in Las Cruces and flooding and if so how often and to what degree? Thanks for any help with this.

[chamorga]

We did have some tornado sightings in the area, actually about 50 miles away on the other side of the mountains from Las Cruces. The last sightings were almost 100 years ago and it may be that long before the next one.
Yes we have had a flooding in El Paso in the last two years, however it was not caused by rivers overflowing like in most places, this was caused by storm drains not being adequate to handle a once in 50 year rainstorm. It actually got knee high in some places around town.
The river in Las Cruces is actually very tame and has never overflowed its banks in the time I've lived here (29 years). Also only a few areas of town would be affected by any conceivable flood, most of both towns are on hills around the valleys.
Overall this area has fewer natural disasters than almost any area in the united states.

[betta]

Thank you for the quick reply. I really appreciate it!

[domino]

If your mother doesn't want to come, you shouldn't force her. Life is too short! You can send her a postcard.

[betta]

Originally Posted by domino

If your mother doesn't want to come, you shouldn't force her. Life is too short! You can send her a postcard.

I would never force her. LOL. No one forces her to do anything, as it should be. She is just afraid of everything so I thought if I gave her that facts it may ease her mind. She is 80 years old and there is no one here that would help her. If I had my choice, it would be the postcard for me.

[tito]

Originally Posted by betta

My husband and I are moving to Las Cruces. We were going to bring my mom with us, as there is no one here to help her out here. One of her neighbors keeps badmouthing Las Cruces to her with untrue statements. I researched everything I could think of from health care to crime and thought it would be a great place to live.

My mom called me a few days ago and said her friend said that there was a tornado in Las Cruces and it was flooded! And she isn't moving with us. I searched the internet for news of this and found nothing except in El Paso, Texas. I also could not find informatation on tornados or flooding to be a problem. I assume there are floods in flood zones, but we have that happen here. So we just won't buy in a flood zone.

My question. Are there tornados in Las Cruces and flooding and if so how often and to what degree? Thanks for any help with this.

Old people have trouble adjusting to new places, she is only looking for excuses for not moving. I guess you will have to find another travel companion, since it would be unfair to move her against her will.

[betta]

Thanks tito,

I agree partly. But she did move willingly to North Pole Alaska with my other sister for awhile so I think she just got scared when her friend started talking bad about Las Cruces. I have talked with her today and now she thinks it may be good to go. That's today anyway.

I have the feeling her friend may be saying those things because she doesn't want her to move away and a little jealousy too? Mom started out excited to go.

[EnjoyEP]

[quote=betta;828680she did move willingly to North Pole Alaska with my other sister for awhile so I think she just got scared when her friend started talking bad about Las Cruces.[/QUOTE]

I just had to tease about this in a good-natured manner. She went willingly to the NORTH POLE but yet is hesitant about one of the great climates in America - Las Cruces? Wow! Las Cruces would be in the top 10 places in the entire U.S. personally I would want to live in...the North Pole, probably in the bottom 10!

(I am again just being good natured here...I just found the North Pole willingness but hesitation about lovely Las Cruces somewhat funny. But surely I know the desert it not for everyone.)

[betta]

EnjoyEP,
That is really funny isn't it. We actually already live in a desert too. As for the North Pole, I would move there in a flat minute if my husband would but he thinks it's too cold. HA! Seriously, I think New Mexico is beautiful too and I'm thrilled to move there. Mom finally called her friend's sister who actually lives in Las Cruces and is now exctied about it again. *whew*

[tfox]

Flooding is a problem in Las Cruces. There is a public flood control project on the east side of town in order to mitigate the dangers of flash flooding, but much of today's growth is happening on the opposite (eastern) side of the flood control works, where of course it will offer no protection. Low lying points in the eastern subdivisions will routinely turn into small lakes of about 12 inches in depth, but up till now rarely cause significant property damage.

I think you have the right idea. Avoid lower lying areas and you'll be fine, and be particularly careful in the new subdivisions on the east end of town.